Altruism Collection

The Duchess of Portland photographed for the front cover of The Tatler looking very serene and practical in a nurses uniform

The New Houses of Parliament - Bas-reliefs in the Prince's Chamber - the Death of Sir... 1857. Creator: Unknown
The New Houses of Parliament - Bas-reliefs in the Prince's Chamber - the Death of Sir Philip Sidney at Zutphen, 1857. One of a...series of historic tableaux which enrich the walls of this elegant

Pennant for Howard University class of 2009, ca. 2009. Creator: Unknown
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C, was founded in 1908. It is the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority

Charity, 1746 (marble)
CF332118 Charity, 1746 (marble) by Rysbrack (Rijsbrack), John Michael (1684-1770); 75x122 cm; Coram in the care of the Foundling Museum, London; eCoram in the care of the Foundling Museum; Flemish

Charity (plaster)
ALI280889 Charity (plaster) by Serpotta, Giacomo (1656-1732); Oratorio di San Lorenzo, Palermo, Sicily, Italy; Alinari

The Rat and its Burden (engraving)
3626138 The Rat and its Burden (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Rat and its Burden. Illustration for Chatterbox (1869)

The Good Samaritan, 1633. Creator: Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn
The Good Samaritan, 1633

Portrait of a Donor in Scarlet and St. Anthony, c. 1450, by P
Petrus Christus (1425-1476). Dutch painter. Portrait of a Donor in Scarlet and St. Anthony, c.1450. Altar panel. National Museum of Denmark. Copenhagen. Denmark

Illustration of a bible scene, 2 Kings 4, Jars of Oil, Elisha advises a poor family to pour olive oil from their jar into empty ones, God ensures the oil never runs out

Illustration of a bible scene, John 6, Jesus feeds the 5000

Lord Mayors Banquet being distributed to poor
Guildhall, London, the remains of the Lord Mayors Banquet being distributed to the poor, 1900 - 1910

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Altruism, the selfless act of helping others without expecting anything in return, has been a virtue celebrated throughout history. From the charitable works of The Duchess of Portland to the Pennant for Howard University class of 2009, examples abound. In art, we see depictions like "Charity" in marble and plaster sculptures that embody this noble concept. These pieces capture the essence of giving and compassion towards those less fortunate. Similarly, engravings such as "The Rat and its Burden" and Rembrandt's masterpiece "The Good Samaritan" remind us that kindness knows no boundaries. Religious texts also illustrate acts of altruism. In 2 Kings 4, Elisha advises a poor family to pour olive oil from their jar into empty ones; miraculously, God ensures it never runs out. Likewise, John 6 tells the story of Jesus feeding thousands with just a few loaves and fishes—a testament to his boundless generosity. Even outside religious contexts, altruism prevails. Auguste Rodin's bronze sculpture "The Burghers of Calais" immortalizes six citizens who offered themselves as hostages during wartime for the sake of their fellow townspeople—an ultimate sacrifice driven by compassion. Throughout history, leaders have also embodied altruistic values. Lord Mayors Banquet being distributed to the poor exemplifies how politicians like David Lloyd George sought to address social inequalities through policies aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. In a world often overshadowed by self-interests and personal gain, let us remember these historical reminders that inspire us towards acts of kindness and empathy—reminders that encourage us to embrace our shared humanity by extending a helping hand whenever possible. Altruism is not merely an abstract concept but rather an essential part of what makes us human—the ability to care for one another unconditionally transcends time and remains eternally relevant.